Benelli

- history, development and technical innovation

Benelli is one of the most traditional names in the Italian motorcycle industry. Founded in Pesaro in 1911, the company developed from a small family workshop into a brand that has had a decisive influence on European motorcycle construction. From early four-stroke racing machines to legendary Tornado models and the modern collaboration with QJ Motor - Benelli has stood for technical curiosity and bold design for over a century. [aufklappen+]

Benelli - a century of Italian engineering history

From family workshop to racing team (1911-1939)

The story began in 1911, when Teresa Benelli gave her six sons the opportunity to set up a workshop. The first Benelli motorcycle, the "Velomotore", appeared as early as 1921. Racing quickly became the brand's second home: the 147 cc models made Benelli successful early on, and Giuseppe Benelli developed an advanced 175 cc four-stroke motorcycle in 1926, which brought his brother Tonino four Italian championship titles.

War years, reconstruction and the road back to racing (1940-1959)

During the Second World War, Benelli produced military motorcycles, but the factory was destroyed. The brothers rebuilt the company from 1945 onwards and converted over 1,000 military vehicles into civilian machines. Racing started up again in 1947, crowned by Dario Ambrosini's 250cc world championship title in 1950.

Expansion, merger with Motobi and technical breadth (1960-1980)

After Giuseppe Benelli's departure, Motobi was created, while Benelli enjoyed great success with models such as the "Leoncino". In 1962, Benelli and Motobi merged - a move that strengthened the racing program with riders such as Provini, Pasolini and Kelvin Carruthers (world champion in 1969). The product range now extended from small city motorcycles to the "Tornado" 650.

De Tomaso era and the first series-produced six-cylinder motorcycle (1971-1988)

The Benelli Sei, the world's first series-produced six-cylinder motorcycle, was created under Alejandro De Tomaso. Initially with 750 cc, later with 900 cc, the Sei is still considered a technical icon today. It exemplifies a phase in which Benelli experimented and set new standards.

The Tornado Novecento and the new start in the new millennium (1990-2004)

With the Tornado Novecento, Benelli presented an uncompromising superbike in the early 2000s. The three-cylinder in-line engine, the striking chassis layout and high-quality components such as Marzocchi and Sachs suspension or Brembo brakes made the Tornado a technically and visually striking statement.

Global orientation under QJ Motor and Keeway (2005-2024)

In 2005, Keeway and Qianjiang (QJ Motor) took over Benelli. Production and development were reorganized, while design remained in Pesaro. Under CEO Yan Haimei, Benelli developed into a globally oriented brand that combines Italian design language with industrial strength. The new model generation builds on the historical legacy and strengthens Benelli's position as a major player in the motorcycle segment.